In a pivotal event underscoring the strengthening strategic alliance between India and the UAE, India’s Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, visited the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi – Abu Dhabi (IITD-AD) campus on September 10, 2025. The visit highlighted the impressive advancements of the campus over its initial 1.5 years, culminating in the official launch of essential academic programs and innovation initiatives.
The Minister’s agenda reflected the project’s robust collaborative essence, featuring high-level meetings with senior officials from Abu Dhabi and the UAE. He also engaged in an interactive session with students, faculty, and staff at IITD-AD and explored the campus thoroughly.
Upon arrival, the Minister was greeted by the leadership of IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi. He interacted with a delegation of distinguished UAE and Indian officials and met Sara Musallam, chairperson of ADEK. Pradhan expressed gratitude to her and ADEK for their support in establishing the IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi campus, leading to productive discussions on shared educational priorities.
During a campus tour, the Minister was visibly impressed by the rapid development of a world-class academic and research environment, visiting several advanced laboratories. Students showcased their research projects addressing critical global issues, especially in energy transition and sustainability. Topics included advanced materials for next-gen solar cells, computational models for optimizing energy grids, and innovative systems for industrial decarbonization. These interactions demonstrated the campus’s commitment to impactful, mission-driven research aligning with both UAE and India’s strategic goals.
The event’s highlight was the official launch of two new academic programs at IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi. The Minister inaugurated the Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech.) in Chemical Engineering and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) in Energy and Sustainability.
The B. Tech. in Chemical Engineering aims to provide a robust foundation in core engineering principles while integrating modern subjects like sustainable manufacturing and process intensification. The Ph. D. in Energy and Sustainability, the campus’s highest academic offering, will develop top-tier researchers to advance knowledge in a globally significant field. The Ph.D. program is poised to attract leading talent from the region and beyond, positioning IITD-AD as a hub for doctoral research contributing to a sustainable, decarbonized future.
Inauguration of a pioneering startup incubator
In a move set to boost cross-border innovation, the Minister inaugurated the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) at IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi, the first such center established by an Indian institution overseas. This landmark initiative provides a structured pathway for high-potential Indian startups, vetted by IIT Delhi, to expand operations into the UAE and the wider region. The AIC will also support joint startups and research-led ventures by Indian and UAE innovators, offering access to mentorship, investor networks, and strategic connections within the UAE’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
The Centre embodies the vision to transform IITD-AD into a bridge between the two nations’ innovation ecosystems, fostering collaboration in deep tech, AI, clean energy, healthcare, and other priority sectors, creating new economic opportunities.
During his campus address, India’s Education Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to the IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi team for their outstanding achievements.
Reflecting on IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi’s rapid transformation from concept to reality, the minister remarked during his speech at the campus gathering: “Today not only marks the launch of two new academic programs but also a new chapter in IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi’s growth. From envisioning this campus in 2022 to welcoming international students into these courses today, the progress is extraordinary. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing this proud journey unfold in just three years, and this campus is now poised to make history.”
Emphasizing the campus’s spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, the minister stated: “Today marks an auspicious chapter for IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi as we inaugurate the Atal Incubation Centre and launch our Ph.D. research program. As Prime Minister Modi has urged our students, I invite you to research, innovate, and bring your ideas from level one to the market—not just for India and the UAE, but for humanity.” During the speech, the minister posed a question about students’ aspirations to be job seekers or job creators, creating an electrifying moment as students enthusiastically affirmed their commitment to becoming job creators and innovators.
He underscored the institution’s symbolic importance: “This campus is more than just a center for learning and research; it stands as a testament to the warm and fruitful partnership between the Indian and UAE governments. It exemplifies what can be achieved when two nations commit to a shared future of progress and prosperity.”
The event concluded with a robust sense of shared purpose, highlighting IIT Delhi – Abu Dhabi’s role as a symbol of educational diplomacy and a strategic platform for driving technological and economic growth in the region.
